It seems odd to criticise a country for delivering growth rates in standards of living and consumption that have been perhaps the fastest, longest, and most broad-based (affecting hundreds of millions of people) in history, points out Arvind Subramanian.
The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly polls.
The BJP achieved a clean sweep in nine districts of West Bengal, securing all 68 seats in these regions during the recent election. This victory marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule and establishing the BJP's dominance.
Sweet shops across West Bengal are preparing themed sweets in anticipation of the election results, reflecting the charged political atmosphere.
Indian archery faces poor planning and the absence of a full-time foreign coach as they prepare for the World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, raising concerns ahead of the Asian Games.
Indian stock markets experienced a significant sell-off, with the Sensex tumbling over 1,300 points, driven by escalating crude oil prices due to US-Iran tensions and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity measures, which amplified investor concerns about India's economic outlook.
Simranjeet Kaur and Sahil Jadhav emerged as India's standout performers at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, both advancing to the semifinals in their respective recurve and compound sections.
Police in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against Raghavendra Singh and others for allegedly making casteist remarks and issuing threats against the son of BJP MP Arun Kumar Sagar. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a parked vehicle.
Police in Lucknow have arrested four people for allegedly using ChatGPT and graphic design software to create and sell fake IPL tickets outside the Ekana Stadium.
Former world champion Ojas Deotale led India's men's compound team to a top-10 finish in the qualification round of the Archery World Cup Stage 2, while Aditi Swami finished 13th in the women's section.
Suvendu Adhikari's journey from a key figure in the Trinamool Congress to a leading BJP challenger in West Bengal is a remarkable transformation. His victories, particularly against Mamata Banerjee, have positioned him as a potential chief minister, marking a significant shift in the state's political dynamics.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor remembered the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed US support to India in its fight against terrorism. Israel and Australia also paid tribute to the victims.
Diksha Dagar began strongly at the MCB Ladies Classic in Mauritius, carding a 4-under 68, highlighted by a hole-in-one. Agathe Laisne leads the field with an 8-under 64.
Delhi will host the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship in 2026 at the Thyagraj Stadium, with players from more than 35 countries expected to participate, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Wednesday.
Diksha Dagar, Tvesa Malik, and Hitaashee Bakshi of India experienced a difficult final round at the MCB Ladies Classic in Mauritius, causing them to fall in the leaderboard. Denmark's Smilla Tarning Soenderby won the tournament.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three individuals, including a doctor, for their alleged involvement in an ISIS-linked conspiracy to carry out mass poisoning in public spaces using a biological toxin.
A 45-year-old farmer was allegedly shot dead in a village under the Faridpur police station limits in Bareilly on Friday morning. Police suspect old enmity behind the crime.
The Election Commission has announced a stringent security plan for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly polls, ensuring voters can exercise their franchise without fear. Security personnel will be deployed constituency-wise, and area domination exercises will be stepped up in sensitive neighbourhoods. CCTV cameras will be installed at every polling station, and central forces will remain deployed at booths.
Gelatin sticks were discovered near the venue of PM Narendra Modi's programme in Bengaluru, prompting a police investigation and heightened security measures.
Lucknow Police have arrested three members of a kinnar (eunuch) gang accused of extorting money and valuables from women in markets and residential areas. The gang used intimidation tactics, including obscene behaviour, to pressure victims into handing over cash and jewellery.
Special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma toured West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district during the second phase of Assembly elections, facing political controversy and allegations of intimidation from TMC leaders.
Notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola, a close aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, was brought to Mumbai from Delhi by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Wednesday evening.
A significant 7.87 per cent increase in the BJP's vote share in West Bengal, reaching 45.84 per cent, propelled the party to secure an additional 130 assembly seats, bringing their total to 207, while the Trinamool Congress experienced a 7.22 per cent decline, losing 135 seats and falling to 80.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a decline due to renewed geopolitical concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, a strained US-Iran ceasefire, and the rupee hitting a record low against the US dollar.
Mohammad Salim Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim and a major drug trafficker, has been brought to Mumbai by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) after being arrested in Turkiye and granted transit remand by a Delhi court.
The England women's cricket team was forced to shift its T20 World Cup preparatory camp to South Africa after it had to call off its plans to travel to Abu Dhabi due to security concerns owing to the ongoing conflict in the region, involving United States, Israel and Iran.
Delhi Police have arrested five men from Rajasthan for allegedly robbing a woman's house in Hargovind Enclave, making off with cash and jewellery worth approximately Rs 45 lakh. The accused gained entry under false pretences, confined the woman, and stole valuables before fleeing. Police are still searching for one more suspect.
Mumbai Police have arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly molesting a 12-year-old girl in the J J Marg area. The accused has been identified as Shamshad Ibrar Ahmed Shaikh and was arrested following a swift investigation after the incident occurred on Sunday.
Indian compound men's and women's archery teams faced disappointment at Stage 2 of the Archery World Cup in Shanghai, failing to secure a podium finish. Recurve archers showed signs of recovery, but the compound teams' struggles raise concerns ahead of the Asian Games.
Lakshmi N. Mittal and his son Aditya Mittal, along with Adar Poonawalla, have acquired a majority stake in Rajasthan Royals with a bid of $1.65 billion after another consortium pulled out.
Banerjee reached the venue in the evening, ignoring torrential rains in Kolkata and was still seated inside till reports last received.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in West Bengal following a directive from the Union Home Ministry.
Fresh tension gripped Bhangar and adjoining areas of South 24 Parganas during the second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, with the ISF alleging intimidation of polling agents and attempts to influence voters by TMC workers.
Police in Kasaragod, Kerala, have registered a case against the organisers of an alleged child marriage involving a 16-year-old girl. The investigation includes examining CCTV footage and questioning witnesses.
Incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal during the early hours of voting in the second phase of the assembly elections on Wednesday, police said. The incidents were reported from multiple locations, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar, they said.
China has confirmed providing on-site technical support to Pakistan during last year's conflict with India, according to official media reports.
The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola, a close aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, has been remanded in the Narcotics Control Bureau's custody until May 8 in connection with a 2023 drugs seizure case.
A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon
Sahith Theegala and Akshay Bhatia are set to compete at the Cadillac Championship, held at the Trump National Doral Golf Club. The tournament, a USD 20m Signature Event, features a strong field, though Rory McIlroy will be absent.
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